To unblock someone on an Android phone, open the Phone app, tap More, tap Settings > Blocked numbers, then tap Clear or Unblock next to the number. This verified path from Google Support removes the contact from your device’s system block list, allowing calls and texts from that person again.
How to unblock someone on your Android phone
Android support from Google documents blocking in the built-in Phone app under Settings > Blocked numbers. Google also documents that you can unblock from the same list by tapping Clear or Unblock next to the blocked number. Blocking is device-level and must be done individually on each Android device you own. Blocked contacts are not notified they have been blocked.
- Open the Phone app.
- Tap More.
- Tap Settings > Blocked numbers.
- Next to the number, tap Clear or Unblock.
This method works for the phone’s built-in call and text blocking system. It does not affect blocks set inside separate apps like WhatsApp.
How to unblock someone on WhatsApp
WhatsApp’s help center documents unblocking in the chat itself: open the chat with the person you want to unblock, or open the Chats screen menu, then tap Unblock > Unblock. The key distinction is that WhatsApp blocks are separate from the phone’s system block list. Removing a block in WhatsApp does not affect any block set in the phone’s Phone app, and vice versa.
How to unblock someone on iPhone
For cross-device users, Apple documents the path: Settings > Privacy & Security > Blocked Contacts > select the blocked contact, scroll down, then tap Unblock Contact. An alternative path documented by Apple is Settings > Apps > Phone > Blocked Contacts. These steps remove the contact from the iPhone’s system block list, restoring calls and messages from that person.
Troubleshooting when unblocking doesn’t work
If the number is blocked in the phone app, use the phone’s system block list; if it is blocked inside WhatsApp, use WhatsApp’s unblock steps. Verified fixes include restarting the phone, updating software, clearing the Phone app cache, and switching to the default dialer if a third-party dialer is in use. If unable to locate Blocked numbers option, refer to device user manual or search online for model-specific instructions. Reset app preferences as a troubleshooting step (Settings > Apps > three-dot menu > Reset app preferences). Disable or uninstall third-party blocking apps that may interfere with unblocking. Clear Google Play Store cache and data as a troubleshooting step for apps downloaded from Play Store. Factory reset as a last-resort troubleshooting option (with data backup warning). No carrier-specific or paid steps are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is unblocking the same as deleting a contact?
No. The documented steps only remove the number from the blocked list. The contact remains saved in your contacts app unless you delete it separately.
Can WhatsApp blocks be removed from phone settings?
No. WhatsApp documents unblocking inside WhatsApp itself. The phone’s system block list does not control WhatsApp’s separate block list.
Are there any costs to unblock someone?
The process is free on both Android and iPhone.
Will unblocking someone restore previous messages?
No. Unblocking only allows future calls and texts. Messages sent while the contact was blocked are not recovered.
How can I check if someone is blocked on my Android phone?
Open the Phone app, tap More, tap Settings > Blocked numbers. The list shows all numbers currently blocked on the device.
Is unblocking permanent?
Unblocking is permanent; use Do Not Disturb or Blocking Mode for temporary restrictions instead.
For the wider topic, see blocking calls and numbers.
